Volume 1, Chapter 33: Forcing Her Forgiveness—Is That Even Possible?

Is this an apology? It was clearly an attempt to force her to accept everything!

Lu Ning’s expression remained cold and indifferent, a look that made Lu Liu’s heart sink. He had felt quite confident moments ago, but now he was losing his footing. He had humbled himself to apologize and make amends; surely Lu Ning understood his intentions? From childhood to now, he had never lowered his head to anyone like this! Lu Ning was the first!

Qin Xiang seized the moment to interject, “That’s right, Sister Ning. Sixth Brother put so much thought into preparing today’s apology banquet; you should be able to see the sincerity in his apology.”

Lu Liu’s expression was a bit unnatural. “Lu Ning, if you have any demands, just state them. I can satisfy them all.”

Lu Ning raised an eyebrow, a hint of sarcasm in her tone. “My demand is simple.”

“Tell me.”

Lu Liu breathed a sigh of relief. As long as Lu Ning was willing to set conditions, it meant she would forgive him. He knew it—Lu Ning was just throwing a tantrum because she felt he was biased toward Qin Xiang! Once they reconciled, he would find an opportunity to give her a proper talking-to.

“From today on, do not appear in front of me, and do not act on your own accord to do things like this.”

The expression on Lu Liu’s face froze instantly. His mind felt as if it had been hit by an explosion, buzzing uncontrollably. Lu Ning turned and walked away, her silhouette resolute and decisive. She did not show a shred of attachment.

As Lu Ning stepped out of the training base, a wave of heat greeted her. The sound of summer cicadas made her feel inexplicably irritable.

“Lu Ning, what exactly do I have to do for you to forgive me for what I did wrong before? Just say the word!” Lu Liu chased after her. He looked at her earnestly, his attitude exceptionally sincere.

Lu Ning finally lost her patience. “Do you not understand what I just said? I suggest you go back to elementary school and repeat a grade.”

“Lu Ning, we’ve been so close since we were children. Are you really planning to never forgive me and never acknowledge me as your brother again just because I was impulsive that one time?” Lu Liu couldn't believe she was so heartless.

Lu Ning found it laughable. That one time? It seemed that in Sixth Brother’s eyes, he still didn't understand why she had left the Lu family. But there was no need for her to explain. She did not want to look back, and she certainly didn't want to humble herself to keep the peace.

Lu Ning’s gaze was cold and distant. “If that’s what you want to believe, then so be it.”

Lu Liu seemed devastated, stunned into disbelief. He couldn't utter a single word for a long time. He could not believe that Lu Ning was really cutting ties with him.

***

Qin Xiang rushed over and blocked Lu Ning’s path. “Sister Ning, the last incident was all my fault. I caused all of this to happen. From today on, I will move out of the Lu house, and you will never have to see me as an eyesore again.”

Qin Xiang looked back at Lu Liu, her eyes red-rimmed. “Sixth Brother, thank you for all these years of taking care of me. I am already very content.”

Lu Liu instinctively grabbed Qin Xiang’s hand. “What are you doing? This has nothing to do with you; it’s a matter between Lu Ning and me.”

“No, Sixth Brother, you don’t understand. It has everything to do with me! I must take responsibility!” Qin Xiang shook her head, her red eyes and sensible demeanor making it impossible for anyone not to feel soft-hearted.

Lu Liu couldn't help but sigh. “Lu Ning, why can’t you be as sensible as Xiangxiang?”

Lu Ning arched an eyebrow, her expression mocking. “So, isn’t having her enough for you? Stop bothering me!”

“Lu Ning, you always think we are biased toward Qin Xiang, but you never look at what you’ve done yourself. Human hearts are made of flesh; if you were as sensible as she is, things wouldn't have turned out this way between us.”

“That is exactly why cutting ties and letting us each live in peace is the best choice.”

Lu Ning walked straight to the roadside. It was a remote area, and few cars passed by. However, she was desperate to leave. Lu Liu blocked her path. “I think we should talk this out properly and get everything clear!”

*Beep! Beep!*

A shrill horn blared as a black luxury car sped toward them. Lu Liu looked back to see the car barreling toward him, showing no intention of braking!

“Sixth Brother, watch out!”

Qin Xiang ran over. Lu Liu instinctively reached out to pull Qin Xiang to safety, but he glanced back at Lu Ning, who remained standing where she was. Realizing what he had done, he shouted in panic, “Get out of the way!”

Lu Ning remained expressionless, her eyes dark and bottomless.

*Screech.* The car stopped right beside Lu Ning. The window rolled down to reveal Ji Chiqian’s sharp, cold features. He said in a gentle tone, “Get in.”

The corners of Lu Ning’s mouth lifted slightly. She knew it would be him! She bent down and climbed into the car. Outside, Lu Liu’s voice rang out: “Lu Ning, you can’t go with him!”

Lu Ning turned her head to look at the chasing Lu Liu, then rolled up the window, cutting off everything outside. Lu Liu chased them for a distance before stopping in a disheveled state. He pounded the ground in frustration. Why did it turn out like this? He had actually left Lu Ning standing there.

As Lu Liu recalled the look in Lu Ning’s eyes, he began to panic. What now? He had instinctively chosen Qin Xiang just then, but that didn't mean he didn't care about Lu Ning. It was just that Qin Xiang had run over to save him—he couldn't just ignore her, could he? Lu Ning was so smart; would she understand? Lu Liu felt uneasy.

Qin Xiang ran over, looking worried. “Sixth Brother, are you okay? Sister Ning will be fine. She didn't come home last night either; she’s probably with that school doctor.”

Lu Liu straightened his posture. “Lu Ning was led astray by that school doctor. Although she used to throw tantrums, she never held a grudge against her family like this!”

Lu Ning had changed. He had to find a way to push everything back onto its original track.

***

In the car, Lu Ning opened the window to let the breeze in, not saying a word. Ji Chiqian didn't ask questions either; he drove her straight back to the apartment.

As Lu Ning walked into the elevator, she snuck a glance at him. “Are you angry?” She had noticed his unpleasant expression while they were in the car.

The man looked at their reflections in the elevator mirror. “You’ve improved this time. You at least knew to call me for help when you were being dragged away.”

“It happened so suddenly. Someone confessed to me at the school gate, and I sprayed them with a fire extinguisher. The guy is from Yunjing and isn't someone to mess with. When the conflict broke out, my Sixth Brother rushed in to ‘mediate’ and shoved me into his car. But I didn't expect him to take me to the team base.”

Lu Ning also hadn't expected her Sixth Brother to have arranged so many people and a celebratory banner to force her into joining the team. *Hmph*, she hadn't agreed to anything. If this were the old Lu Ning, she would have been emotionally blackmailed. But now, as long as she had no conscience, she couldn't be blackmailed by morality.

“Who confessed to you?”

Lu Ning looked up. “Just the heartthrob from the private school next door!”

Ji Chiqian squinted. “Is he the one you have a crush on?”

“How could that be? It’s not him!” Lu Ning couldn't help but laugh.

The elevator arrived, and she walked out first. Ji Chiqian watched her back, his tone stiff. “Child, don’t date early!”

“I know, you’ve said that many times already. Stop lecturing like an old father!”

Ji Chiqian followed her at a leisurely pace, his brow furrowing subconsciously as if he were deep in thought. Lu Ning noticed fresh vegetables and fruit in the kitchen and asked in surprise, “Are you planning to cook?”

“What are you thinking? Of course, I was going to have a housekeeper come over to cook! But then I received a message from someone.”

Lu Ning felt a small pang of guilt. “How about I cook from now on? I’m actually pretty good at it.” After all, Ji Chiqian had taken her in, and she wanted to do something in return.

Ji Chiqian narrowed his eyes. “When did you learn?”

“Back at the Lu house, I often cooked for everyone. Especially my Eldest and Second Brothers—their stomachs aren't great, and they were only used to my cooking...” Lu Ning stopped herself. “Anyway, I learned it a long time ago.”

Back then, to please her brothers, she had specifically learned from the kitchen staff.

Ji Chiqian didn't seem very pleased. He said slowly, “Little Lu Ning, your hands are not meant for cooking.”